Cheesy Tuna Casserole

Submitted by JillAZ

"I got this recipe from a book called "Baby Let's Eat" which I purchased when my almost 16 year old was a baby. My whole family loves this and it is very flexible as far as what kind of veggies you want to put in it. My DH requests this whenever he wants tuna casserole. Enjoy!"

 

• Ready In: 1hr
• Ingredients: 13
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or 2 tablespoons butter
• 1⁄4 cup flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1⁄2 cups chicken broth
• 8 ounces cheddar cheese, grated
• 3 cups cooked farfalle pasta
• 12 1⁄2 ounces albacore tuna in water
• 1 lemon, zest of, finely grated
• 2 cups broccoli florets, lightly cooked
• 1 cup peas, cooked
• 1 carrot, grated
• 3⁄4 cup breadcrumbs (about)
• fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Spray a 3 quart casserole with cooking spray. Set aside.
3. Make sure to have broccoli, peas and pasta cooked and waiting.
4. Grate carrot, lemon zest and cheese and set aside.
5. In a medium saucepan, heat oil or butter.
6. Add flour and stir until blended. Cook for 1 minute.
7. Add milk and chicken broth, whisking as the sauce comes to a boil and thickens. When sauce has thickened a bit and is smooth, remove from heat.
8. Add grated cheese and stir until melted.
9. Fold in the pasta, tuna, lemon zest, broccoli, peas and carrot.
10. Place in the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle top with bread crumbs and chopped parsley.
11. Bake until the top is golden brown and casserole is heated through, about 30 minutes.

Reviews

[mommyof 3]

I loved the fact that it had all the different veggies in it and the touch of lemon. Thanks for posting.

 

[Carolejeddy]

This is quite good, but I found the lemon zest overpowering. I was intrigued with the flavor that this would add, but think I will use much less next time. I will definitely make this again, though. I used egg noodles instead of farfalle (personal preference) and will probably add some mushrooms. I really liked the fact that it used chicken broth (I used low sodium, reduced fat) instead of half and half or sour cream as so many others do. Much healthier:)! Thanx, JillAZ.

 

[Roxygirl in Colorado]

I loved that this tuna and noodles had veggies in it! I only had broccoli on hand (I know the carrots and peas would make this dish) but I went ahead and made it. I even made toast and grated since I didn't have bread crumbs. I ended up added a tablespoon parmesan cheese, also. Since my gang was hungry I broiled it at the end instead of baking.The bread crumbs are great with the cheesy sauce (good texture, not too thick) My two kids ate it without complaints and my husband got a second helping (despite grumbling at the mention of Tuna Casserole) so I will be making this again. Next time I will be adding the colorful veggies. Thanks for posting one of your family's favorites, JillAZ. Roxygirl